Indigenous Athlete is Australian of the Year for Anti-racism, Youth Work

Aboriginal AFL player and anti-racism campaigner Adam Goodes has been named the 2014 Australian of the Year.

Goodes, a decorated Sydney football champion, was chosen from a diverse field of nominees that represented the best of scientific, medical, arts and community leaders.

He accepted the award on Saturday, Australia Day, while his family, of the Andyamathanha tribe, wiped away tears in the audience.

According to the National Australia Day Council, Goodes was chosen “for his leadership and advocacy in the fight against racism both on the sporting field and within society – a stance which has won him the admiration and respect of people around Australia”.

Now living in New South Wales, Goodes is proud of his Indigenous heritage, and is actively involved with several Indigenous sport and community programs. He also has worked with troubled youth, in and out of juvenile detention centers.

Together with his cousin and former teammate Michael O’Loughlin, Adam established the Go Foundation which empowers the next generation of Indigenous role models in all walks of life. Adam co-chairs the foundation, focused on promoting education, employment and healthy lifestyles.